FCC Expands 3.5 GHz Access to U.S. Territories

The FCC has made mid-band spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band (3550-3700 MHz) available for 5G and other advanced wireless services to an array of operators. Now, the agency has taken actions to enable commercial deployments in the band in Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa for the first time.

“No matter who you are or where you live, you need access to modern communications to have a fair shot at 21st century success. This is true, of course, for those living in Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa too,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “These actions continue our efforts to bring 5G to everyone, everywhere in the country — and not create communities of 5G haves and have-nots.” She thanked the National Telecommunications and Information (NTIA) and the Department of Defense for working closely with the FCC on the effort.  

After coordination with NTIA and DoD, the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology have taken the following actions related to 3.5 GHz Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) and Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) approvals: 

• Approved new and updated ESC sensor deployment and coverage plans of four ESC operators – CommScope Inc, Google, Federated Wireless Inc, and Key Bridge Wireless LLC, clearing the way for commercial access to the 3550-3650 MHz portion of the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in Puerto Rico and Guam.  
• Approved Federated Wireless Inc. to expand its SAS operations to cover the 3550-3650 MHz portion of the 3.5 GHz band in American Samoa. Consistent with protection criteria outlined by NTIA, the action will enable the first CBRS deployments in that portion of the band in American Samoa, according to the Commission. 
• Conditionally approved three entities that applied during the Second Wave SAS application window – Fairspectrum LLC, Nokia, and RED Technologies – completing the first phase of the two-stage SAS application review process.

In addition to these actions, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau granted an additional 13 applications for Priority Access Licenses in the 3.5 GHz band, representing 125 licenses.